Prior to dilation and curettage (D&C), patients should follow all preparatory steps recommended by their physician. These may include dietary restrictions or medication changes. If the patient's pregnancy status is unknown, a pregnancy test may be performed.

The procedure can be performed in a physician’s office, outpatient clinic or hospital. The health of the patient, the reason for the D&C and the type of anesthesia to be used determine the most appropriate setting.

Some patients may be given a sedative before the procedure, and intravenous (I.V.) fluids may be administered before or after the D&C. Just prior to the procedure, the vaginal area will be gently washed.

The patient will be positioned on her back with her knees bent and her feet propped up in stirrups. Tools known as dilators will be inserted into the vagina and cervix to gradually open the muscles of the cervix, which are strongly contracted.

After the cervix is sufficiently dilated, the physician inserts a thin, spoon-shaped instrument (curette) into the patient’s uterus to scrape its lining (endometrium). Depending on the patient’s underlying health condition, the physician will either remove:

• A sample of the endometrium for testing
  
  
• The portion of the endometrium causing excessive bleeding
  
  
• The remaining fetal or placental tissue (in the case of miscarriage)
  
  
• The fetus (in the case of abortion)

After the procedure has been completed, a sanitary napkin (pad) is placed over the vagina. The entire procedure usually can be completed in less than an hour. 

D&C is typically a “blind” procedure, meaning that the physician cannot see into the patient’s uterus during the procedure. In some cases D&C may be accompanied by other procedures such as hysteroscopy, in which a small, lighted telescope is used to view the inside of the uterus.